Preparations are well underway for the seventh annual Christmas at the Cathedral, a glittering celebration of Christmas performed by some of the region’s biggest names in music, TV, comedy, sport and entertainment.
This year, the star-studded show will once again raise funds for North East cancer charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across north east England and Cumbria and which also contribute significantly to international research into the disease.
Vital funds will be raised from the concert as a host of celebrity stars perform songs, readings and comedy sketches while choirs will sing both traditional festive songs and Christmas Carols.
The concert will take place in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday, December 13 at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle. The audience can expect the usual high calibre of entertainment as in previous years with established stars such as Jason Cook, Steffen Peddie, Charlie Hardwick, The Caffreys, Melissa Cavanagh, The Swing Bridge Singers, Chelsea Halfpenny, Paul Smith and Rachel Unthank confirming their appearance.
As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, a number of kind-hearted businesses have donated money, goods and services in a number of sponsorship deals.
Each sponsor has their own reasons for supporting both the concert and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
For Paul Irwin who runs Whitley Bay based EastCoast Taxis, Christmas is a time to reflect on the year and to appreciate the Christmas spirit that brings family and friends together.
“It’s a very special time of the year and a chance to look back and look forward to the next year. We’ve been supporters of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for a number of years and each year this special show seems to signify the start of my Christmas. It also makes us aware of the people who perhaps can’t enjoy it as much as we can because of illness.”
Also from Whitley Bay, Karen Goldfinch from Made To Treasure Events enjoys a traditional family Christmas.
“This is a special time of year, to spend with family, take time out of work and appreciate the family around us. Time to reflect, look back and ahead to what the New Year will bring. It’s a time to enjoy with family and remember those who are no longer with us, to think of happy times we had with them at Christmas.
“On that note, we all know someone who has been affected by cancer, many families, including our own, at this time of year will be remembering those lost. We may not be scientists and doctors but if we can help in a small way, to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, it has to be a bonus. Our role of looking after the performers, crew and special guests is our way of using our event management skills to help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Julie Clay from Shiremoor who runs The Vintage Tea Party feels privileged to take part behind the scenes helping to organise the event.
“When I see the Cathedral full of people singing, smiling and enjoying themselves it gives a warm feeling as well as helping to raise much needed funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Lady Elsie Robson said: “I’m very grateful to all the sponsors who are supporting Christmas at the Cathedral this year. I hope they’ll enjoy the night as much as I know I will.”
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £12 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
The work funded directly benefits cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease – funding cutting-edge cancer treatment and innovative cancer support services.
Christmas at the Cathedral will take place on December 13 at 7pm.
Ends
Photo shows: Lady Elsie, event organiser Jonathan Wallace, Producer Ray Laidlaw, Paul Irwin and Karen Goldfinch
Last photo – all of the sponsors